Jesus says that all who believe in Him are a new creation. 1 John 3 wades into what new that Jesus is talking about in our lives. 1 John invites us into a life long process of growing in our faith and in the likeness of our lives to Christ.
In more than one place in the gospel of John, Jesus used this word abide. Abide in me, as Jesus abides in the Father. Stay connected, apart from God we cannot bear fruit. In John and other places in scripture we get a picture that connection to God happens intentionally, through habits and practices.
In a world where independence and self-sufficiency are held as positive and important values, how do we contrast the call from scripture to meet together, encourage each other, and be shaped by the people around you?
In Ephesians we are told that unity among Christians is a gift from God. In fact this passage speaks about unity, among other things that are part of the calling that we have been given by God. In a world that has no shortage of polarization, we will reflect on the call God has placed in our lives that includes a life of unity among believers.